Guide to Jewish summer overnight camps

Beber Camp is a co-ed, residential Jewish camp located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, only 90 minutes northwest of Chicago. We offer 2, 4, 8 week sessions, as well as a trial weekend for prospective campers. We have beautiful facilities, including a state of the art health center, air-conditioned dining hall and full kosher kitchen. Campers can choose from more than 80 activities, including waterskiing, sailing, sports, rock band, organic farming, arts and crafts and challenge course. We pride ourselves on our intimate size and professional staff — with only about 330 campers per session and a low camper-to-counselor ratio. Come and experience the magic of Beber Camp!

Camp Moshava of Wild Rose’s mission is to model the ideals of Modern Orthodox Judaism and religious Zionism through a safe, engaging and nurturing co-educational summer sleep-away camp experience. Camp Moshava inspires children and young adults to become future leaders and to pursue extraordinary lives through a deep commitment to Torah, Avodah (Service) and Israel.

In addition to daily prayers and study groups, the theme of the summer is interwoven throughout daily activities that include sports, swimming, boating, drama, arts and crafts, overnights, color war and special trips.

Camp Moshava offers a six week camping experience for campers completing third through 11th grades with a four week option for campers completing third and fourth grade. A special two week matchilim beginners program is available for first-time campers completing third grade.

Camp Nageela is an ACA accredited, overnight camp with separate boys and girls sessions, giving your child the opportunity to enjoy an all-around camp program while making many new Jewish friends. Campers in Camp Nageela identify with all Jewish affiliations. All meals and snacks are kosher.

Our 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio ensures safe, caring, individualized attention and relationships that embrace and encourage. Counselors at Nageela are full of life and haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be a camper.

Camp Ramah in Wisconsin (312) 690-8321www.ramahwisconsin.com

Camp Ramah in Wisconsin is the place where fun and friendship build Jewish lives. A full range of fun activities integrates Jewish values and observances into the daily camp experience. Activities include sports, swimming, high and low ropes courses, climbing wall, sailing, kayaking, archery, music, dance, nature, photography, radio, arts and drama. Sports courts upgrades enable campers to play softball, basketball, tennis and volleyball both during the day and under the lights at night.

Located in Waupaca, Wisconsin (about 3 hours from Chicago), Camp Young Judaea Midwest has provided a Jewish camp experience for children in grades 2-9 for over 40 years. Our beautiful 80 acre lakefront property provides the opportunity to explore, take on new challenges and make friendships that last a lifetime. We offer a camp program that grows with our campers; they get to experience our wide range of land and water activities including waterskiing, tubing and sailing, arts and crafts, rock climbing, biking, digital photography, overnight camping and more.

Camp Young Judaea Midwest is one of five Young Judaea camps in the United States. CYJ Midwest has a community of campers from across the spectrum of Jewish background and belief.

Campers come from over 15 states around the country to join our small community, only 130 campers per session. CYJ is a kosher, Shomer Shabbat facility.

Habonim Dror Camp Tavorwww.camptavor.org

Habonim Dror Camp Tavor, located in southwest Michigan on 69 acres of rolling hills, has created life-changing summers for Jewish children and teens from around the country for 58 years. We are an overnight, co-ed camp that fosters enduring friendships, life skills, and a connection to Israel in an exciting, dynamic, fun-filled environment. Camp Tavor takes pride in providing a non-denominational Jewish overnight camp experience focused on leadership, social action, stewarding the environment, and connecting to Israel. We offer programs for boys and girls entering grades 3–12. Session lengths range from 5-days to 7-weeks.

With a 4:1 camper-to-counselor ratio, a maximum of 200 campers per session, and activities that bridge the age gap, Camp Tavor’s community is nurturing and inclusive. Activities are individualized and aim to build self-confidence. Habonim Dror Camp Tavor’s emphasis on youth leadership is apparent in every aspect of camp. Programs are designed to encourage campers to take responsibility for the camp community and environment. Camp Tavor prides itself on being a youth-led community and giving children the tools to become leaders in the camp setting and beyond.

Camp Tavor serves kosher meals, and much of the food grown is from the camp organic farm. In addition, we are peanut free and nut sensitive. We can also accommodate gluten free, vegetarian, and other special diets.

New campers maybe eligible for up to $1,000 off of camp tuition. In addition, Camp Tavor offers needs based scholarships.

JCC Camp Chi(847) 763-3551www.campchi.com

For nearly 100 years, JCC Camp Chi has transformed children’s summers. We unplug them from their daily lives and connect them to life-changing moments. At Camp Chi, we create an atmosphere where campers feel safe, comfortable and accepted for who they are. Soccer players take the stage, artists reach the high ropes and everyone becomes fluent in kindness and friendship. Over 40 activities including tennis, horseback riding, water skiing, swimming, ceramics, music production, outdoor cooking, aerial adventure, basketball, archery, boating, theater and more. Our warm, welcoming Jewish community provides campers entering 3rd-11th grades with engaging ways to connect to culture, traditions and identity. Lake Delton, WI. 2, 3, 4 & 8 week sessions and 4 day Try Chi in August.

JCYS Camp Henry Horner(847) 740-5010www.jcys.org/chh

Get ready for a summer bursting with fun! Located on 180 wooded acres in Ingleside, Illinois, an hour north of Chicago, Camp Henry Horner offers an adventurous overnight experience for campers entering grades 3-10.

A beachfront on Wooster Lake provides boating, fishing and water play. Inland features include a high ropes course with zip line, heated outdoor pool, sports fields, and archery. Campers also enjoy weekly trips, themed dances, pool parties, outdoor education, arts and crafts, dance and music, cooking, evening programs, and community building around a campfire. A friendly atmosphere encourages campers to enjoy new adventures while building self-esteem and developing interpersonal skills.

Living spaces are air-conditioned, clean and comfortable, and meals are nut-free. Counselor camper ratio is 1:7. One- to six-week sessions are available.

URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute(847) 509-0990www.osrui.org

The Reform movement’s overnight camp in Wisconsin offers a unique environment for campers in grades 2 -12. OSRUI combines creative and innovative Jewish experiences with all the fun of summer camp. Sessions run from 5 days to 7 weeks and focus on specific areas of interest, including kibbutz living, the arts, Hebrew language, biking, adventure camping and more.